What Are OSHA's Hand Signals for Crane Operators?

Pointing the forearm and forefinger up and moving the hand in a small horizontal circle makes the Occupational Safety and Health Administration crane signal for hoist load, according to FlatRock Group. Tapping the head with a fist or tapping the hand to an elbow indicates that all subsequent signals pertain to the main hoist or auxiliary hoist, respectively.

The signal for raise boom is made by extending the arm with fingers closed and thumb up. Point the thumb down to signal lower boom. Give the signal to swing the boom by simply extending the arm and pointing the forefinger in the intended direction. To signal stop, extend the arm with palm facing down, and move the arm back and forth in a horizontal motion, notes FlatRock Group. For cranes with telescopic booms, the signal to extend the boom is given by extending both fists in front of the body with thumbs pointing in opposite directions. To give the signal to retract the boom, simply change the extend boom signal so that the thumbs are pointing toward each other.

To make the signal to dog everything, clasp both hands in front of the body, which Rigger.com defines as a command to halt operations.